Home

Fremantle Dockers sign Maggie MacLachlan ahead of 2021 AFLW season

Headshot of Mitchell Woodcock
Mitchell WoodcockThe West Australian
VideoBachar Houli to continue playing AFL next year

Fremantle have finalised their squad for the 2021 season, with Subiaco utility Maggie MacLachlan signing on.

The 18-year-old heads to the Dockers after recruit Jess Trend was put on the inactive list after the former North Melbourne midfielder chose to pursuit outside interests which would hamper her preparation for next year.

MacLachlan can play either forward or in defence, showing her prowess with the Lions’ only two goals in the WAFLW grand final loss earlier this year.

Get in front of tomorrow's news for FREE

Journalism for the curious Australian across politics, business, culture and opinion.

READ NOW

Dockers coach Trent Cooper said MacLachlan boasted a strong mark and had elite endurance.

“We’re really excited to get Maggie. She’s always had the ability to intercept mark and has really good foot skills. This year she took her game to another level playing league for Subiaco where she featured at both ends of the ground,” Cooper said.

The Game AFL 2024

HASLEBY: FREO NEED TO TRADE HOGAN, BLAKELY TO LAND BIG FISH

GEELONG’S SUPPORT CAST DRIVE CATS TO GRAND FINAL

TOP EAGLES TRIO DESPERATE FOR PREMIERSHIP SUCCESS

“She’s a mid-sized player who will give us options at either end of the ground and has really improved her endurance quite remarkably this year. Her fitness is good enough to play AFLW in round one if needed.

Maggie Maclachlan takes a strong mark for the WA AFLW 18’s in the All-Stars match.
Camera IconMaggie Maclachlan takes a strong mark for the WA AFLW 18’s in the All-Stars match. Credit: Paul Kane/AFL Photos/via Getty Images

“She has a bubbly personality and is really popular with our girls already. She was taught by Kara Antonio at SEDA and Hayley Miller is her favourite player so she gets to work with a couple of her idols as well.”

MacLachlan credited Subiaco coach and Fremantle assistant Amy Lavell with her development after sending her forward this year.

“It was Amy’s idea that I would go forward but I was a bit hesitant,” she said.

“She told me she had a plan, so I just listened to her and ended up playing in the forward line as well as the back line and it worked well.

“I’ve also played with Hayley and (fellow Subiaco players) Janelle Cuthbertson, Tiah Haynes and Ange Stannett, who I’m sure will help me settle in and push me. I can learn what to do and what not to do off them.”

Get the latest news from thewest.com.au in your inbox.

Sign up for our emails